#AP US History Study Guide: Manifest Destiny & Westward Expansion

This topic is HUGE! Expect to see it on both the multiple-choice and free-response sections. Pay close attention to the causes, effects, and the conflicts it generated.

#5.1 Manifest Destiny: The Divine Right to Expand

#What is Manifest Destiny?

Definition: The belief that the United States was divinely ordained to expand its territory and influence across North America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 💡
Coined by: John L. O’Sullivan in 1845, advocating for the annexation of Texas.
Core Ideas: * Spread of American democracy, capitalism, and Christianity. * Belief in American exceptionalism and superiority. * Justification for westward expansion, including the displacement of Native Americans.

#Who Supported Manifest Destiny?

Democrats: Primarily supported expansion to create more opportunities for farmers and plantation owners, expanding Jefferson’s "Empire of Liberty".
General Public: The idea resonated with many Americans seeking economic opportunities and land.

#How was Manifest Destiny Achieved?

Key Actions: * Louisiana Purchase * Mexican-American War * Forced relocation of Native American tribes

Memory Aid

Think of Manifest Destiny as a three-legged stool:

God's Will: The belief that expansion was divinely ordained.
American Ideals: The desire to spread democracy and capitalism.
Economic Opportunity: The lure of land and resources.

#5.2 Westward Migration: Areas & Impacts

#Areas of Settlement

Texas: * Cotton cultivation and cattle ranching 🐂
Oregon: * Farming via the Oregon Trail * Territory disputed with Britain, resolved peacefully by Polk. * "54° 40' or fight!" was a campaign slogan, but ultimately settled through diplomacy.
California: * Gold rush after 1849 💰
Utah (Deseret): * Settled by Mormons seeking religious freedom and practicing polygamy.

#Impacts of Manifest Destiny

Conflicts over Slavery: * The expansion of slavery into western territories became a major point of contention.

Key Concept

Native American Resistance:
- Increased conflict as white settlers encroached on Native American lands.
Mexican-American War: * Fueled by expansionist desires and border disputes.
Asian Markets: * Increased U.S. interest in trade with Japan and China. * Treaty of Kanagawa: Commodore Matthew Perry opened Japan to trade through a show of naval force ⚓️ * Led to economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties with Asia.
Homestead Act of 1862: * Provided free land to settlers in the West, further fueling expansion.
Continued Westward Migration: * Fueled by improved transportation and economic opportunities after the Civil War.

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Quick Fact

Remember the big picture: Manifest Destiny wasn't just about land; it was about power, ideology, and the future of the nation.

#Manifest Destiny's Long-Term Effects

Overseas Expansion: * The ideology of Manifest Destiny contributed to U.S. overseas expansion in the 1890s and beyond (see Period 7).
Economic Growth: * The acquisition of new territories and resources fueled economic growth and industrialization.
Cultural Impact: * The idea of American exceptionalism and the “frontier spirit” became deeply ingrained in American culture.

Exam Tip

When you see questions about westward expansion, think about cause and effect. What motivated people to move west? What were the consequences for Native Americans, the issue of slavery, and the nation as a whole?

#Final Exam Focus

#Highest Priority Topics

Manifest Destiny Ideology: Understand its core beliefs and how it was used to justify expansion.
Geographic Expansion: Know the key areas of settlement and what attracted people to them.
Impact on Native Americans: Be prepared to discuss the displacement and conflicts resulting from westward expansion.
Slavery and Expansion: Understand how the issue of slavery became intertwined with westward expansion.
Long-Term Consequences: Connect Manifest Destiny to later U.S. expansion and cultural values.

#Common Question Types

Multiple Choice: Expect questions on the motivations behind Manifest Destiny, the impact of westward expansion on different groups, and the specific events and policies related to expansion.
Short Answer Questions (SAQs): Be ready to explain the causes or effects of expansion, analyze primary source documents related to Manifest Destiny, and compare and contrast different perspectives on expansion.
Free Response Questions (FRQs): Expect to write essays that analyze the impact of Manifest Destiny on different groups, evaluate the extent to which expansion was a positive or negative development, and connect expansion to other historical events and trends.

#Last Minute Tips

Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. If you're stuck, move on and come back later.
Common Pitfalls: Avoid making generalizations or oversimplifying complex issues. Be specific and provide evidence to support your claims.
Strategies for Challenging Questions: Break down the question into smaller parts, identify key terms, and focus on the specific historical context.

Common Mistake

Don't confuse Manifest Destiny with other expansionist movements. Be sure you understand the specific historical context and the unique characteristics of this era.

#Practice Questions

Practice Question

#Multiple Choice Questions

Which of the following best describes the concept of Manifest Destiny? (A) The belief that the United States should remain isolated from world affairs. (B) The idea that the United States was destined to expand its territory across North America. (C) The policy of encouraging immigration from Europe. (D) The effort to establish colonies in Africa.
The slogan "54° 40' or fight!" referred to which territorial dispute? (A) The annexation of Texas (B) The Oregon Territory (C) The Mexican Cession (D) The Louisiana Purchase
Which of the following was a major consequence of Manifest Destiny? (A) The end of slavery in the United States (B) The peaceful integration of Native Americans into American society (C) The increased conflict over the expansion of slavery into new territories (D) The decline of industrialization in the United States

#Free Response Question

Analyze the ways in which the concept of Manifest Destiny influenced the political, social, and economic developments in the United States during the 19th century.

Scoring Breakdown:

Thesis (1 point): A clear, historically defensible thesis that addresses the prompt. * Example: "The concept of Manifest Destiny significantly shaped the political landscape through territorial expansion, exacerbated social tensions over slavery and Native American displacement, and fueled economic growth by acquiring new resources and markets."
Evidence (2-3 points): Provides specific historical evidence to support your thesis. * Political: Louisiana Purchase, Mexican-American War, debates over the expansion of slavery, treaties with Native American tribes. * Social: Displacement of Native Americans, increased tensions over slavery, cultural impact of the “frontier spirit.” * Economic: Acquisition of resources, access to new markets, growth of agriculture and industry.
Analysis and Reasoning (2-3 points): Analyzes how the evidence supports your thesis and demonstrates an understanding of the historical context. * Explanation of how Manifest Destiny led to territorial expansion and the consequences of that expansion. * Analysis of the impact of expansion on different groups, including Native Americans and enslaved people. * Discussion of the economic benefits and costs of expansion.
Synthesis (1 point): Connects Manifest Destiny to other relevant historical developments or themes. * Example: Connect Manifest Destiny to later U.S. overseas expansion or the concept of American exceptionalism.

Remember, you've got this! Review these key concepts, practice your skills, and go into the exam feeling confident. You're well-prepared and ready to succeed. 💪